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How to Find a Job If You’re Over 40
The situation on the labor market is difficult. According to the Center for Economic Strategy, there are 13 people competing for one job. The market is completely controlled by employers. This applies even to those sectors that do not depend on physical assets, such as the IT industry.
Contents of the article
Job Search for 40-Year-Olds: Where to Start
If you finally find a job in your specialty and can’t find a job, pay attention to the ads that require lower qualifications: cashier, security guard, loader, general worker, sales consultant, etc.
Yes, the salary level for this specialty is usually lower than desired, but you will be able to earn a living without stopping your job search.
Also, working in other areas will help you acquire new knowledge and skills that will be useful when writing a resume for your “dream job”.
There is a stereotype in society about the “prestige” of work. Like, how can you be a waiter from a manager? But these are all social prejudices when it comes to survival. Apple founder Steve Jobs, who left his studies at Reed College, handed out a bottle and went to free Sunday dinners at a Krishnaite temple. This did not stop him from creating one of the most successful companies in Silicon Valley.
Working in “lower” positions will make you closer to people, especially if you have to work in management positions. This kind of experience will help change your approaches to work.
That’s why it wouldn’t hurt a marketer to sit at the cash register or work as a consultant, because he will communicate with consumers and understand their seller not from refined focus groups, but directly through communication with clients selling products.
Here you should understand that the work you do does not characterize you as a person. Work is work, nothing more, nothing less.
“Want to know the secret to turning $40 into $400? Fill up your car with $40 and drive to work.” Photo source: The Last Capitalist community.>
Go where the work is
If you have been unable to find a job in your specialty for a long time, try either related industries or retrain in the area where there is the greatest demand.
Switchers have long been a common phenomenon. If earlier this term was mainly used for IT, which had moved from other industries, now it has become widespread.
The State Employment Center can help with retraining. If necessary, they refer the unemployed to additional free training to improve or change qualifications.
The realities of the labor market are such that a person with one higher education diploma will not work until retirement.
“You need to have knowledge of two or three work areas, which will allow you to temporarily earn additional income when there is no work in your main specialization.”
Therefore, to effectively search for a job, you need to constantly improve and acquire new knowledge. There is a common stereotype among employers that older people, and this is precisely what 40+ is considered to be, are not able to quickly master new technologies.
Don’t wait, take action
Having sent your resume to a company, do not expect to receive a response immediately. Do not ignore other vacancies and send your resume with a cover letter for all offers that interest you. The more resumes you send out, the more likely you are to get an interview.
Also, do not limit yourself to job search sites or specialized channels. Call friends, acquaintances, send a few messages on social networks. In a word, use all available channels.
While you are searching, you can also complete several courses both online and offline. There are many offers, some are even free. Upon completion of the courses, you will receive the appropriate certificates. You can safely indicate the skills and knowledge of the courses that you have mastered in your resume.
This can also interest a potential employer in that you are open to new things and ready to learn.
Moving to another city
Quite a radical, but quite effective step. The fact is that today the labor market is uneven – in some regions there are more offers than in others.
If this is not your path, you can try remote work, its relevance is growing every month.
Companies are increasingly willing to hire specialists to work without visiting the office. Among the popular vacancies are call center operator, web developer, internet marketer, copywriter.
The conclusion
Yes, finding a job after 40 is difficult, but not impossible. The main thing in this matter is not to be afraid of something new and to get out of your comfort zone.
Don’t think that contacting the Employment Center will make you a second-class person. The specialists of the institution have helped thousands of people find jobs, they know what they are doing.
Also, review and update your resume. Do not send the same file to everyone, first of all, indicate the skills and experience that are interesting to a specific employer – this increases the chances that your resume will not end up in the trash. And do not forget about the motivation letter.
Prepare for the interview. With a 99% probability, you will be interviewed by a younger HR specialist. You do not need to show disdain, boast about your experience. However, you do not need to underestimate yourself either.
Do not set yourself up for a quick result. Yes, there are exceptions when people find their dream job in one day, but it is better to be ready for a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient and don’t give up.